6 Benefits of Spinal Manipulation
Spinal manipulation is also known as manual therapy or spinal manipulative therapy. It combines jolting and moving joints, exercise, massage, and physical therapy. The treatment’s main aim is to relieve pressure on the joints, improve nerve function, and reduce inflammation.
Manual therapy can treat neck, back, shoulder and headache pain, and spinal misalignment. Chiropractors may also use the treatment to treat disorders like sinus problems and menstrual pain.
Common Causes of Spinal misalignment
- Inactivity
- Stress
- Injury
- Accidents
- Improper lifting techniques
- Poor posture
- Performing repetitive motions
- Obesity
What Does Spinal Manipulation Entail?
There are more than 100 types of spinal adjustments that chiropractors use.
Spinal manipulation involves force and twisting. The practitioner can apply sudden, controlled pressure to a particular joint or use less forceful movements that gently stretch and manipulate the joints, ligaments, and muscles.
The treatment works differently for each patient.
Osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, and occupational and physical therapists usually perform the treatment.
Benefits of Spinal Manipulative Therapy
Pain relief
Spinal manipulation can relieve the pain almost instantly. Some patients report being pain-free after a single visit. If you need spinal manipulation, you can visit ChiroPro; it is located in Lake St. Louis, MO.
Improve flexibility
When exercise is added to manual therapy, the core muscles become more assertive, improving the back, neck, and shoulders movement. It makes you feel better and improves your flexibility.
Prevent surgery
If you have already tried different options to eliminate your pain and the only alternative remaining is surgery, consider trying spinal manipulation. In some situations, therapy can eliminate or reduce the pain canceling out the need for surgery.
Reduces the dependence on drugs
Medications can be addictive if taken for a long time or frequently. Spinal manipulation can reduce pain, and no drugs are required.
It’s safe
The procedures are safe if a licensed and trained physician performs them.
People with severe osteoporosis, unstable spine, or spinal cancer should not try the treatment. This is because there might be possible complications. If you also experience tingling, loss of strength, or numbness in the arm or leg, this treatment might not be right for you.
If you are experiencing back pain, you should seek help from the best-rated chiropractor near you.
Reduces tissue inflammations
Massage therapy increases the body’s blood flow and helps the glands of the body produce healing hormones.
How to Know if you Need Spinal Adjustment?
Possible signs that you have a misaligned spine include:
- Chronic headaches
- Neck, knee, hip, and lower back pain
- Excessive fatigue
- Frequent illnesses
- Tingling sensation in the feet or hands
- Walking abnormalities
What to Expect
Spinal manipulation requires a couple of visits to the chiropractor. Many people acquire maximum improvement After six to 10 visits.
During your first visit, the chiropractor asks questions regarding your health history and performs a physical exam. Your chiropractor may recommend other tests like X-rays.
The chiropractor puts you in different positions to treat the affected area. Afterward, a sudden and controlled force is applied to a joint, pushing it past its usual motion range. People hear popping sounds as the chiropractor moves the joints.
Risks Associated with Spinal Manipulative Therapy
Serious complications are rare, but they may include:
- Herniated disk
- Stroke
- Compression of nerves
Types of Techniques Used
- Toggle Drop. Using crossed hands, the chiropractor firmly presses down on a specific area of the spine. With a precise and quick thrust, the chiropractor adjusts your spine. It helps to enhance the mobility in your vertebral joints.
- Lumbar Roll. Your chiropractor positions you on the side and applies a manipulative thrust that returns the misaligned vertebra to its right place.
- Release work. The chiropractor uses fingertips to apply pressure that separates the vertebrae gently.
- Table adjustments. The patient lies on a table that has sections that dropdown. The section drops at a similar time the chiropractor applies a quick thrust.
- Instrument adjustments. It is one of the gentlest methods used in adjusting the spine. The patient rests on the table facing down as the chiropractor uses an instrument known as a spring-loaded activator to carry out the adjustment.
- Manipulation under anesthesia. It is performed in a hospital by a certified chiropractor if the patient is not responsive to traditional adjustments.